Collector's Edition

Time for India 2009

India’s watch connoisseurs and collectors will get a ‘never-before’ opportunity to embark on a fascinating journey through the world of wristwatches. The third edition of ‘Time for India – 2009 Volume 3’, a collector’s table-top issue that constitutes a valuable set of reference works in the horological field, will be available in India.

Authored by renowned journalist Gisbert L. Brunner, “Time for India 2009 – From the Sundail to the Tourbillon” is devoted to all facets of the wristwatch. It traces the modest beginnings of wristwatches more than 400 years ago to the present day; from simple watches to highly complex timepieces. It is dedicated to cultivating ties between the great names in Swiss watchmaking and India, a swiftly developing land, where time never stands still.

This pioneering initiative has been conceptualised by the Geneva-based Time for SA headed by Christian Clivaz (Managing Director) and Heinz J. Heimann as the Project Manager. Sunil Karer and Karishma Karer of the Watch Market Review Group, promoters of the long-established authoritative Indian horological magazine, will be in charge of the distribution for India once again after the runway success of the first two editions.

Time for India 2009 has a foreword by His Highness Maharaja Gajsingh of Marwar-Jodhpur. H.H. Maharaja Gajsingh says that he values precious and preciously measured time. “Everything you read in this book has to do with mankind’s most precious commodity. Philosophical observations alternate with historical and technical facts because the topic of wristwatches is as diverse as the theme of time itself,” says the Maharaja.  

Wristwatches are versatile instruments that measure precious time and enjoy particular appeal. The first chapter focuses on the background of the phenomenon of timepieces for the wrist, which has traditionally been much more than just what goes under the name “wristwatch”. You can read about the 435-year genesis of the wristwatch - from the era of Queen Elizabeth 1 (probably the first woman to wear a watch on a strap) to the way in which women’s fashion helped the wristwatch made a breakthrough in the 20th century and gained wider acceptance amongst men.

The collectors’ edition provides information about everything you ought to be aware as a well-informed watch aficionado. One chapter explains the fundamental mechanism including the chronometer (time measurer). It touches upon useful additional functions - complications such as automatic winding, chronographs, calendars, automatic winding, repeaters, tourbillons and alarms. A separate chapter explains the details and also tells us what manufacturers produce. It also elucidates that quartz watches are older than many people imagine having began their journey in 1928 till they nearly caused the demise of mechanical timepieces in the 1970s.

However, today, mechanical timekeeping is currently experiencing the focus of new materials and innovative technologies. Everyone’s talking about ceramics, magnesium, silicon and other substances. A designated chapter also explains important facts about service and maintenance to ensure that the wristwatch becomes the genuine heirloom to be proudly passed on from generation to generation.

Time for India 2009 features globally recognized iconic brands such as Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Cartier, Chronoswiss, Concord, Cvstos, Daniel Roth, De Witt, Fontainemelon, Franck Muller,Gc, Gerald Genta, Girard-Perregaux, Hublot, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Mont-Blanc, Perrelet, Piaget, Richard Mille, Rolex, Tag Heuer, Universal Geneve, Vacheron Constantin, Vincent Berard and Vertu. The volume concludes with a comprehensive glossary in which you will find an alphabetical list of specialized items used in the text. After all, time isn’t just a highway between the cradle and the grave but a place to park and enjoy the sunshine.

Karer, who has been associated with the Indian and international horological industry since decades, adds, “India’s connoisseurs and trade constituents have felt the need for something like ‘Time for India’ since a long time. It denotes that it is truly time for India to take its rightful place within the growing international circle of horological connoisseurs. A positive feedback, encouragement and a desire to continue learning more about the mysteries and intricacies of this prestigious and complex art have led us to dedicate this issue to the historical legacy of wristwatches. It will definitely appeal to people, who appreciate the art and science of fine watch-making.” He adds, “The response to the earlier two editions has been phenomenal and this current issue has already been sold out. We are already looking forward to pursuing this stimulating journey through the watchmaking world next year with another theme.”

Heimann, one of the respected watch connoisseurs in the field having published several books emphasizing on the industry, says, “We are proud to be publishing this first-of-its-kind book destined for the prestigious Indian market. The decision to launch this series is particularly significant in light of India’s huge potential as a watch and jewellery market; coupled with its cultural wealth and legendary gemological heritage. Each volume is destined to serve as a magnificent showcase for the skills cultivated by the brands, which craft these exceptional timekeepers, many of which represent works of art in themselves. As one is right to expect from an upscale publication, special care has been devoted to printing so as to ensure its quality corresponds to the superlative timepieces it will be presenting.”

In a pioneering effort, ‘Time for India’ also features the list of all the authorised retailers, dealers and distributors in India, where the brands will be available. It also features a section where a list of all the watch museums is provided. Readers can get a chance to discover the places where they can immerse themselves in the world of clocks, watches and other time-measuring instruments.

The Time for SA-Watch Market Review team has developed a carefully conceptualised distribution plan. The intent is to ensure that it reaches out to a select circle of readers with a genuine interest in the finer points of watchmaking. Its purpose is purely educational and to provide meaningful insights into the various aspects of this fascinating field. The circulation will be augmented by a personalised direct mailing exercise targeted at individuals recognised as belonging to an elite group of high net worth consumers with high purchasing power.

Since India is already in the midst of a retailing revolution, the prime target will also include the high-end malls, shopping plazas and department stores. It will be distributed amongst the members of the horological fraternity that deals with Swiss watches including the watch and jewellery retailers, dealers and distributors. It will also be available in leading five-star hotels in the main metropolitan cities.  

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